Josh Allen throws three touchdowns as Buffalo Bills defeat Miami Dolphins, extending dominance over the rivals

The Buffalo Bills continued their impressive start to the 2025 NFL season with a 31-21 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Thursday(September 18) night at Highmark Stadium. Quarterback Josh Allen delivered a standout performance, throwing for three touchdowns and surpassing a significant career milestone.

Josh Allen completed 22 of 28 passes for 213 yards, including his 200th career regular-season touchdown pass. His third touchdown of the game, a 15-yard connection with wide receiver Khalil Shakir, broke a tie and gave the Bills a 27-21 lead in the fourth quarter. This achievement places Allen among an elite group of quarterbacks, joining Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Russell Wilson as the only players with at least eight consecutive Thursday Night Football wins.

Who is Josh Allen

Joshua Patrick Allen was born on May 21, 1996, and grew up on a 3,000-acre cotton farm near Firebaugh, California, a small town roughly 40 miles west of Fresno. His family has deep roots in the area, dating back to his great-grandfather Arvid Allen, a Swedish immigrant who settled there during the Great Depression. The farm where Allen was raised was established in 1975 by his paternal grandfather, a longtime member of the local school board and the namesake of the Firebaugh High School gymnasium.

Running back James Cook also contributed significantly, rushing for 108 yards and a touchdown, tying a franchise record with a score in seven consecutive games. Rookie wide receiver Khalil Shakir also made his mark, catching a touchdown pass and playing a crucial role in the Bills' offensive success. Having won nine of their previous ten encounters with Miami, the Bills were also looking to secure a 3-0 start to the season following victories against the Baltimore Ravens and the New York Jets.

The Dolphins’ most recent victory over the Bills came in Week 3 of 2022. Playing at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami narrowly defeated Buffalo 21-19, securing the win when Josh Allen’s pass fell incomplete on a fourth-and-goal from the Dolphins’ one-yard line during the game’s final possession.